Elon Musk started out in the software industry. He grew up in South Africa, studied physics and economics at university, and later switched to computer science.

In 1995, Musk entered Stanford University to pursue a doctorate in physics, but dropped out two days later.

He then became an Internet entrepreneur, founding Zip2, which provides online city guide services.

In 1999, he sold the company to Compaq for more than $200 million.

He then founded PayPal, an electronic payment system that was acquired by eBay for $1.8 billion in 2002. These successful entrepreneurial experiences laid the foundation for Musk in the business world and provided financial support for his subsequent explorations in areas such as space, electric vehicles, and solar energy.